Chapter 33 - The Fire
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Dominic stood on the deserted concrete pier overlooking the East River. The city skyline glittered against the dark night sky, casting long, fractured reflections on the black water. He held Nathan’s hidden black ledger in his right hand. The physical weight of it was minimal, but the psychological weight was immense. It represented the last lingering thread of control Nathan Cross possessed over their lives.
Daniel stood a few paces back, leaning against the hood of the town car, watching his boss in silence. He held a silver Zippo lighter in his hand, flipping the lid open and shut with a rhythmic, metallic clink.
Dominic looked down at the ledger. He could have read it. He could have scoured the pages for other hidden accounts, other betrayals, other secrets Nathan had buried. A year ago, he would have obsessed over every single line, using the information to consolidate power and punish his enemies.
But he was exhausted by the secrets. He was done playing games in the dark.
He turned and walked back toward the car, holding the book out to Daniel.
"Burn it," Dominic commanded.
Daniel caught the book, looking slightly surprised. "You don't want to read it? There might be money hidden in here. Or leverage on the remaining bosses."
"I don't care," Dominic said, his voice entirely devoid of hesitation. "I don't need leverage anymore. I have everything I need. Burn it, Daniel."
Daniel nodded, his respect for the man growing even deeper. He struck the Zippo, holding the flame to the edge of the leather-bound book. The dry paper caught quickly, the orange flames licking upward, casting a warm glow across their faces. Daniel tossed the burning ledger onto the concrete pier, and they both stood in silence, watching it turn to ash.
The last remnant of Nathan Cross dissolved into the wind, carrying the final echoes of fear away over the dark water.
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"It's finally over, boss," Daniel said quietly as the fire died out.
"Yes," Dominic agreed, looking up at the stars. "Now, we figure out how to live."
